Archives for July 2009

‘Lamoureux (8/20/1984, 5’10”, 155 lbs.) spent last season with the ECHL’s Alaska Aces, where he was named the league’s goaltender of the year. Lamoureux led all goalies with a regular season record of 33-16-2, and set an ECHL record with eight shutouts. He was also second in GAA at 2.29. He followed that up with a league-leading 15 playoff wins and 1.95 GAA as the Aces advanced to the Kelly Cup Championship.’

‘After a brilliant season in the ECHL – where Lamoureux was named the league’s rookie of the year and goalie of the year – the 2008 Hobey Baker finalist has signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres.’

‘In addition to the ability for fans to create their own personalized mini-pack by choosing from five to 40 games, the team has also created new pre-packaged mini-packs. The packages will consist of a minimum of five games.’

‘The team will hit the road to play in Detroit (September 19) and Washington (September 21) before returning home to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 23. The team will conclude their preseason schedule with back-to-back games in Canada when the Sabres visit Montreal (September 26) and Toronto (Sept. 27).’

‘MacArthur, 24, went from the Sabres’ 13th forward to a key contributor early last season, even subbing at center in the fall as the team battled injuries. Six of his 17 goals came in the opening 13 games of his first full season. But he also slipped after his torrid start, earning a spot in the press box. He finished with 31 points in 71 games and was a minus-4.’

‘“Season ticket holders are very important to the business success of the organization,” said Chief Operating Officer, Dan DiPofi. “Our fans have been very loyal over the years and we are extremely grateful they have continued to support the team. We take great pride in the partnership we have nurtured with our fans over the last several years.”’

‘Sekera skated in 69 games last season for Buffalo, posting three goals and 16 assists along with a minus-11 rating in his first full NHL campaign. The 23-year-old missed 12 games due to an ankle injury.’

‘Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced today the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent defenseman Andrej Sekera on a multi-year deal and the club has reached an arbitration settlement on a one-year contract with forward Clarke MacArthur.’

‘“Once July 1 hits my agent starts talking, comes up with a plan on what we’re going to do. He spoke to quite a few teams, there was quite a bit of interest. At the end of the day Buffalo was a good fit for us.”’

‘Standing at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds and still growing at the age of 19 years old, Knapp believes his height can – on many levels – put him above the competition. “I can obviously play a little deeper, cover more angles,” Knapp said. “Smaller goalies are usually a little faster because they can get their feet under them quicker than I can, but that balances out because I can play deeper and get to shots quicker with less distance to go.”’

‘The 82-game slate, announced Wednesday, has the same breakdown as last season: the Sabres play Northeast Division opponents six times (24 total), other Eastern conference teams four times (40 total) and Western Conference foes once, with three “at-large” contests also added (18 total).’

‘The Sabres will pack their suitcases for a seven-game, 12-day road trip, their longest since the 2005-06 campaign, beginning Jan. 14 in Atlanta and wrapping up Jan. 25 in Vancouver. They hit the road again for a five-game stretch March 13 to 21.’